American Idol has been a cultural phenomenon since its first season back in 2001. Central to the show’s success are its judges, who play a crucial role in shaping the contestants’ journeys and providing valuable feedback. And, of course, they are compensated very well for their jobs.
American Idol has had a history of famous judges who’ve really made their mark on the show. From Simon Cowell‘s sharp wit to Paula Abdul‘s infectious charm, each judge brought their own vibe and style to the table.
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In recent seasons, the panel has featured pop sensation Katy Perry, country star Luke Bryan, and legendary performer Lionel Richie. Especially after the show’s revival on ABC, these names helped bring out new audiences to the show. But how much do they make? Check it out.
The Salaries of American Idol Judges
Specific details about the earnings of American Idol judges for each season haven’t been disclosed officially. Nonetheless, reports on the current judges’ salaries have surfaced, and there are some discrepancies in their pay rates.
Lionel Richie commands a salary of around $10 million per season from American Idol, as reported by multiple outlets. On the other hand, Bryan, per Forbes, earns $12 million per season from his role as a judge on the show.
Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan in “American Idol” (Disney/Eric McCandless)
Katy Perry, however, stands out as the highest-paid judge in American Idol history. Per Yahoo Style and Billboard, Perry earns a staggering $25 million salary from the show. In a 2017 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Perry addressed speculation about her salary saying that she “got paid more than pretty much any guy that’s been on that show.”
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Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest, the host and producer of American Idol, has also seen significant earnings from his involvement with the show. According to reports from Hollywood Reporter and The Wall Street Journal, Seacrest earned $5 million in his first season as host and producer. His current salary is estimated to be around $12 million per season.
